Trinkets & Beads

Until recently, the Huaorani were a primitive tribe harmoniously living in Ecuador's Amazon rainforest. Then oil was discovered under the forest, and multinational companies decided that the Huaorani had to be removed to make way for "progress." Charging that the tribe was lied to and bribed, videomaker Christopher Walker also offers an unflattering portrait of missionaries who appear to work with the oil companies to exploit the Huaorani. The result of oil exploration has been increased water and air pollution, more toxic chemicals in the environment, and--of course--big profits for the oil industry; the Huaorani were left with trinkets and beads. While previous invaders were often quickly dispatched with a spear, the Huaorani have been forced to take Texaco to court, and have journeyed to Ecuador's cities to plead their case. Making a persuasive, timely case against the exploitation of native cultures, a telling point is driven home in a scene in which a smirking oil company worker tells an Ecuador official that Manhattan island was also bought with trinkets and beads. Although the video runs a bit too long, this cautionary tale for the industrial age is recommended for large libraries. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)